Guest bedroom ideas: colourful finishing touches to wow your overnight guests
If you have friends or family coming to stay, this is your chance to turn that spare room into a gorgeous little retreat. No almighty makeover, just simple guest bedroom ideas that feel incredibly thoughtful, colourful and welcoming. I recently styled my own guest room with Dunelm, so I’ve pulled out all the individual styling ideas and turned them into an easy checklist for you.
1. Start your guest bedroom with colourful bedding
The bed is the starting point for any successful guest bedroom.
Choose bed linen in a bold fresh print that feels joyful and inviting. Either pick a design that includes colours already in the room so the bed quietly holds the whole scheme together, or if the walls are a bit of a blank canvas then the bedlinen can really do all the heavy lifting, especially if you go for something bold and bright. Choose a print that works with your style, vintage florals, modern blooms, a smart stripe or something graphic. There are so many incredible designs to choose from, and because the bed is the largest piece of furniture in the room, here is a real opportunity to make impact. I personally love pillowcases with contrast piping or a little frill detail because it really elevates the whole look, and suits my maximalist ‘more-is-more’ aesthetic.
Snug As A Bug cushion, £22; Enchanted Floral cushion, £28; Zig Zag cushion, £28; Bountiful Bloom duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £65; Little Geometric bedspread, £105; all Sophie Robinson x Dunelm
2. Layer the bed with throws and embellished cushions
Once the bedding is on, begin layering. This is where the magic really happens. A soft throw folded at the end of the bed adds softness, or go for more of a cosy vibe with a fully quilted bed spread. It’s a nice detail if the underside is in a contrasting colour or pattern, which can be a feature when you fold it back. Next, pick a few embellished cushions. You could opt for a neat looking pair, or a more relaxed look is three in different shapes and sizes. I like to incorporate a mix of textures like velvet, embroidery, tufting or tassels for that luxurious feel.
From a practicality point of view, guests can grab an extra layer on a chilly British night. From a style point of view, those cushions and throws create a generous, maximalist look that feels super special. Echo one or two colours from the bedding in the cushions and throws so everything feels pulled together rather than random.
Joyful Stripe rug, from £169; Ceramic Table lamp, £85; Joylene 3 Drawer chest, £379; 8 Light Adjustable Chandelier, £279; Velvet Box Pleat cushion, £28; Snug As A Bug cushion, £22; Enchanted Floral cushion, £28; Zig Zag cushion, £28; Bountiful Bloom duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £65; Little Geometric bedspread, £105; all Sophie Robinson x Dunelm
3. Add a soft rug for a cosy feel
Cold floorboards first thing in the morning are no one’s favourite, or you may want to disguise a ‘seen better days’ carpet. A soft rug beside the bed instantly makes your guest bedroom feel more comfortable and welcoming. I love a patterned rug because it adds interest, and a graphic geometric helps frame the bed in the room. Even a narrow runner at the foot of the bed can make a difference to how the floor feels underfoot.
4. Give guests somewhere to hang clothes
One of the simplest guest bedroom ideas is also one of the most appreciated. Often guest bedrooms are the smallest in the house, and wardrobes and large chest of drawers can unnecessarily clutter up the space. Instead add couple of sturdy hooks on the wall or behind the door and supply coat hangers. If you have more space, a small freestanding rail can look super stylish too. It stops guests living out of a suitcase on the floor and makes the whole room feel more thoughtful and considered.
5. Use the space under the bed for storage
Most spare rooms work incredibly hard. They hold spare bedding, suitcases, off-season clothes and all the random bits that do not have a proper home. Use clever underbed storage, such as shallow boxes or fabric bags, to hide the chaos from sight. Store your things under the bed, keep surfaces clear and suddenly the room feels calm and ready for visitors, not just a busy dumping ground, which only makes guests feel like they’re a second thought.
Ceramic Table lamp, £85; Enchanted Floral cushion, £28; Zig Zag cushion, £28; Bountiful Bloom duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £65; Little Geometric bedspread, £105; all Sophie Robinson x Dunelm
6. Create a stylish bedside station
For a stylish guest bedroom, the bedside table is key. Style it with a carafe and water glass and a small tray or dish for rings, earrings and watches. A warm bedside lamp for reading is essential, but why not go the extra mile with a phone charger or a little card with the Wi-Fi code. These tiny touches feel thoughtful and make your guests’ stay so much easier.
7. Add scent to your guest bedroom
A beautiful, fresh-smelling room feels instantly more luxurious. Good options includes scented candle or reed diffuser. Choose gentle, relaxing fragrances like soft florals, fresh linen or leafy green scents that are not overbearing. You may consider opening the window 24 hours before guests arrive in case it’s feeling musty.
Joyful Stripe rug, from £169; Ceramic Table lamp, £85; Velvet Box Pleat cushion, £28; Enchanted Floral cushion, £28; Zig Zag cushion, £28; Bountiful Bloom duvet cover and pillowcase set, from £65; Little Geometric bedspread, £105; all Sophie Robinson x Dunelm
8. Use fresh flowers as the final guest bedroom touch
Fresh flowers are the cherry on top, and you don’t need anything grand. A simple supermarket bunch or a few stems from the garden in a bud vase feel special. Pop them on the bedside table or chest of drawers and they add colour, life and a seasonal note that feels wonderfully thoughtful.
In short, a successful guest bedroom is all about thoughtful details. Fresh bedding, luxurious cushions and throws, a soft rug underfoot, hidden clutter in clever storage, gentle room scent, and a few fresh blooms. Those finishing touches tell your guests they are truly welcome, and that feeling is what turns a simple overnight stay into something really memorable.
